Questions for both books:

1. How would you describe the author of the memoir you read?
   

2. What is the importance of food and cooking in the author’s life? How does she incorporate food memories into her memoir?
   

3. How well does the author describe memorable dishes and meals? What was the most tantalizing food description in the book?
   

4. Describe a favorite scene from the book. What was its appeal for you?
   

5. Describe a favorite character from the book. What is the author’s relationship with this person?
   

6. What pivotal events in the author’s life does she write about?
   

7. What conflicts or tragedies mark the author’s life? How does she resolve them?
   

8. How would you describe the author’s style?
   

9. Do you get a vivid sense of the setting from the book? How does the author accomplish this?
   

10. Would you enjoy sitting down to a good meal with the author? What would you eat? What would you talk about?
    

Questions compiled by Suzanne Fisher (fishers@uhls.lib.ny.us)
June 2005